Do you sometimes worry so much that it interferes with everyday life? Perhaps you feel like you are going through the motions day after day, just trying to ‘push through.’ Maybe you experience these feelings hand-in-hand. If so, you’re not alone!
Anxiety Disorders are the most common mental health condition among U.S. adults and include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Also, mood disorders such as major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder are the leading cause of disability in the United States. Add to that the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, and it’s easy to understand why so many people struggle with their emotional health.
Is It Possible To Struggle With Both?
Why does it seem like anxiety and depression go hand in hand for so many people? Does one cause the other- or do they have different underlying causes? It’s important to note that clinical anxiety and depression are two separate disorders. In some cases, depression symptoms can trigger anxiety (or vice versa), but that’s not always the case.
Someone who is consumed with worry so great that it interferes with the way they function can experience emotional fatigue that leads to eventual burnout and depression. By the same token, a person with depression can experience cycles of anxious thinking and apprehension that lead to anxiety.
Understanding the difference between anxiety and depression can play an important role in your recovery. Someone who suffers from chronic anxiety often deals with a lingering worry that something bad is going to happen….the ‘what-if” mindset. On the other hand, someone suffering from depression commonly has a hopeless outlook thinking that things will never get better.
The relationship between depression and anxiety is complex. The most important thing to know is that you don’t have to self-diagnose. Reach out for support! A professional diagnosis is the first step on your path to wellness.
Psychiatric Help and Treatment All In One Place
When depression and anxiety are both present, it’s very difficult to recover without help. If you find yourself experiencing low moods, frequent bad days, or relentless cycles of anxious thinking, we can help. Our comprehensive programs and services at Clear Mind Treatment can help people breakthrough difficult cases of depression and anxiety.
